Esra Tekin
17 April 2026•Update: 17 April 2026
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday discussed bilateral relations, ongoing Iran-Iran ceasefire negotiations, and regional and global issues.
The two countries will continue taking steps to advance cooperation in many areas, particularly energy, trade, and defense, Erdogan said during his meeting with Sharif on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Erdogan noted that Türkiye has stood on the side of peace since the very first day of the conflict triggered by the attacks on Iran.
He praised Pakistan's efforts and "success" in securing the ceasefire, adding that they would work to extend the ceasefire until peace is achieved in Iran.
The recent crisis has revealed the need for a new regional security architecture built on solid foundations, the president said.
He praised the close coordination among the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan as continuing during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Stressing the importance of reinforcing the ceasefire in Gaza, Erdogan said the chaos in the region should not delay the liberation of Palestine and the implementation of a two-state solution.
He added that Pakistan’s peace and prosperity are important for Türkiye and that Ankara's support for Islamabad in resolving its problems with its neighbors through dialogue will always continue.
